U.S. patent application number 13/870283 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for building foundation and soil stabilization method and system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Omar Besim Hakim, Bassam Marawi. Invention is credited to Omar Besim Hakim, Bassam Marawi.
Application Number | 20140259965 13/870283 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51520871 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140259965 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marawi; Bassam ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
Building Foundation and Soil Stabilization Method and System
Abstract
System and means soil stabilization and moisture control for
building foundations including methods and systems for
stabilization moisture in a site for building foundation by
applying soil moisture stabilization material in various forms, a
preferred stabilization material being a mixture of pozzolan and
granular material such as sand.
Inventors: |
Marawi; Bassam; (Austin,
TX) ; Hakim; Omar Besim; (Austin, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Marawi; Bassam
Hakim; Omar Besim |
Austin
Austin |
TX
TX |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51520871 |
Appl. No.: |
13/870283 |
Filed: |
April 25, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61778822 |
Mar 13, 2013 |
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61801305 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
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61778822 |
Mar 13, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/1 ;
405/128.45; 52/169.5; 52/741.11; 52/741.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02D 2250/0023 20130101;
C04B 28/001 20130101; C09K 17/08 20130101; C04B 28/001 20130101;
C09K 17/10 20130101; E02D 17/04 20130101; C04B 28/001 20130101;
E02D 31/02 20130101; E02D 2300/0006 20130101; C04B 14/041 20130101;
C04B 2103/0088 20130101; E02D 2300/0026 20130101; E02D 2300/002
20130101; E02D 19/00 20130101; C04B 2111/00732 20130101; E02D 19/22
20130101; E02D 3/005 20130101; E02D 17/02 20130101; E02D 3/12
20130101; E02D 2300/0079 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/1 ;
405/128.45; 52/169.5; 52/741.3; 52/741.11 |
International
Class: |
E02D 31/02 20060101
E02D031/02; E02D 19/00 20060101 E02D019/00; C09K 17/10 20060101
C09K017/10; E02D 3/00 20060101 E02D003/00; E02D 3/12 20060101
E02D003/12 |
Claims
1. A system to improve building foundation stability comprising
moisture stabilization material to be applied to a building
foundation site that changes the properties of the soil such that
the soil's ability to retain and/or transport moisture is either
enhanced or diminished, depending upon the desired effect.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the soil moisture stabilization
material comprises the mineral pozzolan.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein soil moisture stabilization
material comprises the mineral pozzolan disposed in a granular
material in a concentration of about 10 to 50 percent.
4. The system of claim 1 comprising at least one zone at a building
foundation site that comprises a liquid delivery means for
delivering liquid to a liquid distribution means; a liquid
distribution system comprising a trench to be disposed adjacent the
foundation containing soil moisture stabilization material.
5. The system of claim 4 comprising a liquid retarding barrier to
be placed in a location selected from the group consisting of
beside, under or over the trench or any combination of these
locations.
6. The system of claim 1 comprising a liquid distribution system
comprising holes containing soil moisture stabilization material
placed on a building site.
7. The system of claim 1 comprising liquid delivery means to supply
moisture to the soil moisture stabilization material.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the liquid delivery means is
controlled on the basis of pre-selected criteria.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein the liquid control means are
controlled by controllers activated directly or remotely utilizing
criteria selected from the group consisting of preset intervals,
moisture level of the soil in the vicinity of the section, annual
season and rainfall.
10. The system of claim 1 the liquid control means are controlled
by connection of the controller to the internet, satellite, or by
text message from a wireless phone or tablet, telephone line or
cable, homeowners association network or other community
organization.
11. The system of claim 4 comprising prepackaged soil moisture
stabilization material.
12. The system of claim 11 comprising section of liquid delivery
conduit disposed in and at the top, of the prepackaged
material.
13. The system of claim 1 comprising markers placed in the soil
moisture stabilization material.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein the markers are RFID units.
15. A method for stabilization of building foundations comprising
applying an effective amount of a soil moisture stabilization
material at a location under, around or adjacent a building
foundation or any combination of such locations thereof.
16. The method of claim 15 comprising placing adjacent to a
building foundation at least one zone comprising a liquid delivery
means that supplies liquid to the soil stabilization material.
17. The method of claim 15 comprising placing a liquid barrier in a
location selected from the group consisting of beside, under or
over the soil stabilization material or any combination of these
locations.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein the liquid distribution system
comprises a plurality of sections and wherein liquid flow to each
section is controlled.
19. The method of claim 16 wherein the distribution system
comprises a plurality of sections and wherein liquid flow to each
section is controlled by controllers activated directly or remotely
utilizing criteria selected from the group consisting of preset
intervals, moisture level of the soil in the vicinity of the
section, annual season and rainfall.
20. The method of claim 15 wherein soil moisture stabilization
material comprises the mineral pozzolan disposed in the granular
material in a concentration of about 10 to 50 percent.
21. The method of claim 15 comprising soil moisture stabilizing
material disposed on top of or under the surface of a building
site.
22. The method of claim 15 comprising the mineral pozzolan mixed
with indigenous soil to stabilize the soil.
23. A stabilized building foundation comprising; a building having
a foundation; and soil moisture stabilizing material placed at a
location under, around or adjacent the foundation or at any
combinations of the locations.
24. The building foundation of claim 23 wherein the soil moisture
stabilizing material is disposed in at least one zone comprising
liquid delivery means that supplies liquid to a liquid distribution
system.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/778,822,
filed Mar. 13, 2013, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/761,505, filed Feb. 6, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/801,305 filed Mar. 15, 2013, the disclosures of
each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety
for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to building foundation soil
stabilization and moisture control and more specifically, to
methods and systems for stabilization moisture in a site for
building foundation by applying soil moisture stabilization
material in various forms.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] The expansion and contraction of soil is a significant
factor in causing damage to the foundations of buildings and other
structures. Such expansion and contraction results from changes in
the moisture content of the soil which are particularly evident in
clay and other heavy soils. The changes in volume of the soil can
place undesirable forces upon a foundation so as to cause
structural damage.
[0006] Moisture content of soil can change for a variety of
reasons. For example, water can be removed from the soil by the
processes of transpiration via the presence of vegetation,
evaporation and gravity. Such processes can create areas of
localized water depletion as well as larger area wet/dry cycles
that can cause a foundation to sag, lift, crack and move,
eventually leading to structural failure.
[0007] Attempts previously been made to stabilize the moisture
content of soil around foundations: see U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,143 to
Goines et al. that discloses a soil moisture stabilization system
comprising two circumferential zones around a house, where one
circumferential zone is placed approximately three feet below the
other; U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,781 to Gregory et al. that discloses a
moisture control system comprising a plurality of supply pipes,
accumulator pipes, and porous pipes for supplying water, storing
water and allowing water to seep into surrounding soil; and U.S.
Pat. No. 5,156,494 to Owens et al. that discloses a soil moisture
stabilization system that operates based on stress sensors placed
on the foundation. Water is injected into the soil around a
foundation when the stress sensors detect abnormal levels of
stress.
[0008] Despite these efforts, there is a need for the development
of an effective foundation and soil moisture stabilization system
and methods. There is a particular need for a system that can
optimize soil saturation and control specific sections around a
structure that may need differing levels of moisture to achieve
saturation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A system and method for building foundation moisture control
has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,078, May 6, 2003 and U.S.
Pat. No. 7,018,134, Mar. 28, 2006 using porous pipe as means for
transporting liquid to the zones. The present invention is a cost
effective and more reliable solution for delivering moisture around
foundations and preventing soil movement.
[0010] Distribution of moisture is supplied to the system of the
invention by trenches or ditches adjacent to the building
foundation in which the trench is filed with a granular material
with a liquid retention component.
[0011] In one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of
foundation irrigation comprising the installation of one or more
independent zones of liquid distribution trenches around a building
foundation, feeding at least one section in each of the independent
zones, and controlling the flow of liquid to the zones to allow
each zone to deliver water independently of other zones.
Independent irrigation zones will contribute to better management
of foundation leveling since one side of the house might require
more or less moisture than a different side.
[0012] Feeding the independent zones can be done by center-feeding,
feeding at one-end, both ends, and any combination thereof. Optimal
moisture delivery can be achieved through an automated system to
detect soil moisture and add/shut off irrigation event based on
soil moisture reading or through user intervention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0013] Embodiments of the invention is described with reference to
the several figures of the drawing, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a building site on which
embodiments of the invention may be practiced.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic of a cross section of ground on a
building site on which embodiments of the invention may be
practiced.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic of a cross section of ground on a
building site on which embodiments of the invention may be
practiced.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a schematic of a cross section of ground on a
building site on which embodiments of the invention may be
practiced.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a plan view of conceptual sections of a building
site with moisture distribution holes.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of conceptual moisture
distribution holes.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of one embodiment of the
invention showing a possible zone configuration.
[0021] FIG. 7a is a schematic representation of a controller shown
as Item 22 on FIG. 7.
[0022] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a building showing four
independent zones around a building structure.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of a liquid
distribution trench of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a
liquid distribution trench of the invention with a bottom
drain.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a schematic side plan view of one embodiment of
the invention illustrating an embodiment of a liquid distribution
trench of the invention with liquid barriers.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a schematic end view of one embodiment of the
invention illustrating a prepackaged fill container.
[0027] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the
invention illustrating a prepackaged fill container.
[0028] FIG. 14 is view of one embodiment of the invention
illustrating a reservoir for delivering liquid to the system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The present invention provides a soil moisture stabilization
system and method for use in, under and around building
foundations. In broad aspect the invention provides moisture
stabilization of the soil of a building site, particularly the
section of the site on which building foundations and paving are
located, to alleviate shifting of the soil and other adverse
effects that occur when soil moisture levels significantly changes
over short periods of time. The system and method involves the
application of a soil moisture stabilization material, either to
the entire site, the site location on which a foundation is to be
placed, or around an existing building foundation. "Soil moisture
stabilization material" as the term is used in this specification
and claims means a material that changes the properties of the soil
and/or clay such that the soil's ability to retain and/or transport
moisture is either enhanced or diminished, depending upon the
desired effect. An "effective" amount of soil moisture
stabilization material to effect a measurable enhancement of soil
moisture stabilization capacity--to retain or transfer moisture as
desired.
[0030] The beneficial effect of the soil stabilization system and
method of this invention is to improve the performance of
indigenous soil or added soil to a building site to enhance
retention of moisture and aid or retard liquid transmission through
the soil to provide a more stable and suitable foundation base that
is less subject to expansion and contraction with ambient moisture
conditions.
[0031] Since adequate building foundations are often "engineered",
that is designed for structure, load and the like, including
conditioning of the indigenous soil of the site, it is desirable to
be able to "certify" (and/or warrant) the soil enhancements to
ensure proper application and construction. This in accomplished in
this invention by providing distinctive markings such as visual
identifiers including tags, coloring to the soil moisture
stabilization material, small unique plastic pieces, beads,
distinctive granular material and the like or adding to the
material RFID chips. RFID chips are relatively inexpensive and may
be associated with identifiers to allow monitoring of a variety of
desirable information such as source, intellectual property rights
and obligations, date of manufacture, date of application,
composition, quantity of application and the like. In one aspect
there is also provided a warranty system for assuring integrity of
the foundation resulting from the application of the system and
methods of this invention. Such a warranty method is disclosed in
U.S. application ser. No. 61/801,305, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference for all purposes.
The marking assist in accomplishing the objectives of the
warranty.
[0032] In one set of embodiments the soil moisture stabilization
material will contain the mineral pozzolan and preferably pozzolan
plus granular material as further described in addition embodiment
described below.
[0033] Clay and hardpan soils may present special problems in
stabilizing indigenous soils. Clays generally result in poor
drainage, soggy soil, and soil compaction. In clay soils a number
of liquid and solid amendments will be beneficial, including the
use of gypsum. Gypsum can penetrate the millions of fine clay
particles in heavy or hardpan type soils and loosen the soil
structure. This process then creates air and moisture spaces that
eventually loosen and break-up the soil structure. Gypsum is
especially suitable as it neutral, non-toxic to humans and animals
and does not burn. It may be added to the top of the soil or into
the soil stabilization material describe herein.
[0034] In one set of embodiments a building site is provided with
soil moisture stabilization material (fill) applied to an entire
building site or to selected sections of the site. These
embodiments may be applied before a building foundation is placed
on the site or for selected sections after a foundation is placed
on the site. FIG. 1 shows a building site 300 on which a building
302 is to be placed (or has been placed). The site has boundaries
306, 308, 310 and 312. Moisturization means such as soil
stabilization material may be placed on the entire surface (and/or
subsurface) of the site prior to placement of a building.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1 stabilization fill may, for example, be
applied to section 320, 321, 322, 324 and/or 326 or on any
combination of these sections. The stabilization fill may be placed
on the surface of the soil of the site as shown in FIG. 2 where the
soil grade level is 328, the fill is 332 and the soil is 336. The
fill may also be placed only on the sub-surface as shown in FIG. 3
where 328 is the grade level soil, 342 the fill and 346 soil
(indigenous or supplied). FIG. 4 illustrates the fill both at the
surface, 328, and sub surface (352). In general, surface fill will
be about 2 to 8 inches deep from grade level, and in-ground fill
will be to a depth of about 8 to 36 inches from grade.
[0036] Applying a soil moisture stabilization material (`fill") to
the entire site (or large sections of the site) before the building
foundation is placed aids in moisture retention and stabilization
at a relatively constant level without the need to constantly
monitor and supply moisture as is needed with other embodiments
described above. While supplemental moisture may occasionally be
needed the building foundation and paving when placed on the site
will partially seal in the moisture stabilization fill to provide a
sub-foundation that is much less subject to heaving and contraction
with changes in ambient moisture conditions.
[0037] However, the soil moisture stabilizer material may be
irrigated based on controlled schedule (based on numerous criteria
as discussed in more detail below) using drip irrigation means as
the liquid delivery, top irrigation or any other irrigation method
that may be scheduled and controlled. Supplemental moisture may be
supplied by drip lines arranged in zones (outside the building
foundation and paved areas) and controlled in the same manner.
[0038] Alternatively, conduits that supply liquid in small
quantities as drip systems do may be placed under the soil moisture
stabilization material or above the material to supply moisture as
needed. This may be done with a grid or ziz-zag pattern of conduits
that are connected to a liquid supply. The amount and timing of
supplying liquid may be controlled in various ways as is explained
for the system of irrigation of existing foundations described in
detail below. The irrigation conduit may also be used to transport
and distribute other fluids such as pesticides or liquid
fertilizers, for example in a garden or flower bed grown alongside
a home or other structure.
[0039] Moisture barriers may be placed around the fill to prevent
migration of moisture to adjacent or unwanted area of the site. For
example, barriers may be placed at the building site boundaries.
Items 344 and 354 in FIGS. 3 and 4, cross section views of fill
material, illustrate one placement of barriers. Barriers may be
also placed on the top, bottom or sides of the fill when it is
placed in sections of the site. The same materials for barriers,
plastic, metal, concrete, etc, as described for the embodiments
described hereafter are suitable.
[0040] An advantage of the whole or sectional moisturization is
that the soil moisture stabilization material (such as sand and
pozzolan fill) is an excellent planting material that provides good
soil for planting and since the fill retains moisture, is very
moisture efficient. Thus, in practice, in these embodiments, a
building site will be graded to the desired grade, excavated to the
depth desired for the moisturization fill, the fill added and
leveled and the building foundation and paving installed. For
foundations that are to be placed partially below grade, the fill
will be place beneath the level of the base of the foundation
and/or mixed with the soil (indigenous or added from offsite) so
that the fill will provide soil moisturization stability and soil
stability for the foundation.
[0041] In some applications it will be desirable that the fill will
be soaked with liquid (usually water) and left to stand (either
open or covered as with canvas or polymer sheet) until the moisture
level has stabilized before the building foundation and paving is
installed.
[0042] In many building projects the foundation is poured on a
granular base such as sand that is contoured to form molds for
built-in concrete beams (usually reinforced by rebar). This kind of
granular foundation formation may be supplemented with soil
moisture stabilization fill as described above.
[0043] In another aspect the fill as described may be added to the
entire site or to sections as "soil amendments" to improve clay
soil reaction to moisture change and to stabilize the soil from
movement with ambient moisture change. The same considerations,
materials and compositions described below for the set of
embodiments where the soil moisture stabilizations material (fill)
is placed in slug or in trenches around an existing foundation
applies to this set of embodiments.
[0044] It has been found that the water retention agent pozzolan is
excellent in stabilizing clay soils. Other additives including
gypsum may also be beneficially added for clay or heavy soils.
Thus, a preferred soil moisture stabilization material will be a
granular material admixed with a moisture retaining material. The
granular material may suitably be sand, finely divided gravel,
crushed lava rock, crushed stone, rock, plastic pellets and the
like. Generally some form of sand will be very suitable. The water
retention component is a material that aids the porous material in
retaining liquid so that it is passes through the granular material
(and out) much slower than it would otherwise. "Pozzolan" has been
found to be a very suitable water retention component. Pozzolan is
a soil amendment mineral that helps increase the water holding
capacity of a sandy and droughty soil. See Abiye Yassin Ibrahim;
Effect of a Water Retention Material "Pozzolan" on the Soil Water
Balance of Sand and Loamy Sand; University of Ghent, Free
University of Brussels; Academic Year 1999-2000, the disclosures of
which are incorporated herein by reference. See also Weeks, J. D.
et al; Bentgrass Establishment in Sand-base Rootzones Using
Subsurface Drip Irrigation; Texas Tech University; publically
available and may be found at
http://www.technogreencorp.com/TexasTechStudy.pdf, the disclosures
of which are incorporated herein by reference. The Texas Tech paper
describes test for soil amendment with various sands--sands that
would all be suitable for use in this invention. Pozzolan, has been
found useful in improving areas that normally require a significant
amount of watering. Since Pozzolan has an adequate saturated
hydraulic conductivity, it is incorporated into a granular fill.
The fill acts as source of capillary conductive medium providing
moisture to adjacent soil. Mix ratios are preferably custom
designed based on the particle size distribution and type of sand
that is used. In general, the mix would be in the range of 50-90%
sand and 10-50% Pozzolan and more suitably from about 15 to 30%
Pozzolan. A composition of 20% Pozzolan and 80% sand has been found
to provide a good balance of properties.
[0045] A preferred Pozzolan for the present invention is a Pozzolan
mineral called "Lassenite". "Lassenite is a mineral, mined from a
deposit in California. Lassenite is a Pozzolan, a crystalline,
porous aluminosilicate and thus its composition includes aluminum,
silicon, and oxygen. It was formed when Mt. Lassen erupted
26,000,000 years ago filling a diatomaceous filled fresh water lake
with compacted and solidified volcanic ash. Structurally, the
diatomic remains are amorphous silicon dioxide (glass). Lassenite
is relatively unique, as most Pozzolan deposits throughout the
world are contaminated with heavy metals from the volcano or salts
from the ocean (see information from AquaFirst Technologies Inc.).
Lassenite is currently used as an amendment to landscaping soils
because of its water retention properties and has been utilized as
an innovative water conservation method in the non-turf landscaping
around the Pacific Institute for Sports Excellence at the
Interurban Campus of Camosun College." Taken from a write-up that
is publically available and can also be found at
http://www.aquafirst.ca/lassenite.html.
[0046] In general, it is expected that the moisturization
stabilization fill will be delivered to the site either as
components to be mixed on site or premixed. Containerized premixed
fill may be used but is expected to be less advantageous than for
the trench embodiments described below.
[0047] In another set of embodiments and as an alternative to
mixing soil moisture stabilization material fill into the soil of
an entire tract or into section of a tract, the fill may be placed
is discrete holes (or slugs) in selected segments of the site. The
stabilizing fill (preferably sand and pozzolan) will distribute the
water evenly and the water retention agent helps retain the water
in the granular medium. This provides a reservoir for the soil to
slowly and by capillary action feed from moisture provided in the
mix.
[0048] FIG. 5 represents an embodiment of this aspect of the
invention. The tract 60 is conceptually subdivided into 10 foot
squared by boundary lines 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 68 and 69. Holes,
610, are placed in the center of the sections. In one embodiment
the section will be about 10 feet square and the holes (slugs)
about 1 foot square and 12 to 48 inches deep (preferably about 30
to 40 inches deep). FIG. 6 illustrates the holes or slugs, where
642 is the grade surface, 610 the hole and 644, the fill material.
The fill may be supplied with liquid when installed and replenished
manually or by, for example, with a conduits system (614 conduits,
612 drip members and 620 liquid supply means).
[0049] As in the treatment of the entire or sections of the site,
it will, in many situations be desirable, and therefore as aspect
of this invention, to place identifiers such as RFID chips, color
or tags (such as small unique plastic pieces, beads, distinctive
granular material and the like) placed in the fill.
[0050] In another set of embodiments are for soil moisture
stabilization to an existing building site with a building in
place, the system of this invention can be controlled to deliver
water or other liquids to surrounding soil through a fluid
distribution network. (Hereinafter, water will be generically used
to represent any type of liquid suitable for transportation and
distribution to soil). The system is installed generally below
ground, and in a preferred embodiment, the system is installed
adjacent to and about 18 to 24 inches away from the foundation and
12 to 24 inches below ground level, but may be disposed further
from the foundation. The system comprises zones and each zone may
comprise a network of sections that may or may not be connected
together in predetermined increments.
[0051] Optimum moisture delivery is achieved through the control of
moisture content and user intervention. In some embodiments a
controller that enables each zone (if multiple zones exist) to
water independently of the others. The irrigation controller can be
used to control irrigation events through turning on/off irrigation
valves.
[0052] When a zone is selected to be turned "on", the controller is
set to deliver water to the zone. Liquid is then delivered to the
liquid distribution system for distribution to the surrounding soil
until the zone is turned "off" and water ceases to flow within the
zone. The control of liquid to the zone(s) can be based on
hydrological properties of soil in which the irrigation system will
response according to water need. Hydraulics and flow are balanced
to achieve accurate saturation.
[0053] It is therefore one aspect of the invention to provide a
building foundation moisture stabilization system and method,
comprising one or more zones, wherein a zone comprises a water
delivery network that has conduit section(s) of predetermined
length with at least one center-fed or end-fed length. Such a
predetermined length could optimally be in the range of about 3 to
20 feet and preferably about 8 to 20. A controller governs the flow
of water to the independent zones.
[0054] Referring now to the figures of the drawing, FIG. 7 is an
isometric view of a building showing four independent irrigation
zones adjacent building structure where each zone includes multiple
center-fed sections. In the example shown, one independent zone is
used for each side of the structure (front, back and sides). The
delivery system can be installed above or below ground, but in a
preferred embodiment the system is subterranean and installed 18 to
24 inches away from the foundation and 12 to 36 inches below ground
level. The system is tied into a main water supply line or other
central liquid supply source in the manner and with the components
90 and 10-16 described below. The controller 22 controls the flow
of water to the independent zones via the zone valves 18 installed
in manifold 20. The conduit 30 feeds the porous liquid delivery
conduit 40. Optimum moisture level may be achieved through manually
or automatically monitoring moisture content and by user
intervention.
[0055] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of one embodiment of the
invention showing a possible zone connection configuration. Each
independent zone comprises a network of conduit 40. A backflow
prevention device 10 may be installed and connected to a master
valve 14. A strainer 12, such as a wye strainer, may also be
installed on the main water line between the backflow device 10 and
the master valve 14 to help keep undesirable substances out of the
piping section in the event of a break. The master valve 14 may be
installed with a pressure regulator 16 in order to regulate
pressure to the zone valves 18. The zone valves 18 are installed in
a manifold 20, which can be installed in a centrally located valve
box. A controller 22 governs the flow of water to each of the zones
via the zone valves 18, enabling each zone to water independently
of the others. The controller 22 can be an active monitoring
controller that is electronic or hydraulic. It can utilize a water
or moisture sensor placed within the soil (as described below) or a
timer which operates in any desired time increment (as determined
by the specifications of the type of controller used, for example 1
minute to 6 hours) with multiple start and finish times available
for each zone. Alternatively, controller 22 can be a passive
controller which utilizes a floating cut-off or other passive flow
control switching mechanism. The controller may be remotely
controlled (see FIG. 7a). The remote control may be managed through
a wired connection (25 in FIG. 7a) to a suitable device such as a
computer terminal, computer tablet and the like or wireless through
an antenna (27) or other suitable signal transmitting/receiving
device(s). The control may be by internet, satellite, text message,
etc. from a wireless phone or tablet, telephone line, cable,
homeowners association network (or other community organization)
and the like. Remote control can be easily designed by those
skilled in the art and allows more flexibility in control of the
option for maintaining balanced irrigation.
[0056] In operation water seeps through the drip conduit 40 into a
liquid distribution trench as described below to moistens the
surrounding soil until the zone is turned "off" and water ceases to
flow within the zone. The hydraulics are balanced to achieve
desirable soil moisture. This generally is accomplished in response
to the hydrological properties of soil. A rain sensor may also be
connected to the controller 22 to ensure that the system is not
turned "on" when it is raining. Risers 24 with threaded caps can be
installed below ground to allow for visual observation of the zone
for proper flow and trouble-shooting or to allow flushing and/or
other maintenance.
[0057] U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/761,505 filed
Feb. 6, 2013 describes a liquid supply system utilizing wicking
rope for even distribution of liquid around a building foundation.
Such a system is suitable for supplying moisture to the systems
including the trenches and holes disclosed in the present
invention. The disclosure of U.S. ser. No. 61/761,505, filed Feb.
6, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all
purposes. U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/801,305 filed
Mar. 15, 2013 describes a liquid supply system utilizing tyvek pipe
for even distribution of liquid around a building foundation. Such
a system is suitable for supplying moisture to the systems
including the trenches and holes disclosed in the present
invention. The disclosure of U.S. ser. No. 61/801,305, filed Mar.
15, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for
all purposes.
[0058] Each zone may be center-fed with, for example, solid PVC
pipe, polyethylene tubing or other suitable conduit. The solid
conduit, illustratively, may center-feed the pipe 40 which, in
turn, center-feeds the liquid distribution trench. Center-feeding
the porous pipe 40 in 10 foot increments helps to ensure proper
hydraulic flow throughout the zone; however, in order to maintain
proper flow, it has been found that a liquid delivery zone should
generally not exceed about 100 feet (preferably 80 feet) in linear
run. Alternatively, each zone can be fed from one end, both ends
and any combination of center-feeding and end-feeding.
[0059] The following brand-types and specifications for various
components of the invention are included for exemplary purposes
only:
[0060] Conduit consisting of PVC Pipe 3/4'' class 200--Rated for
200 psi 1 inch class 200--Rated for 200 psi (used to tie in main
line) PVC Fittings Schedule 40 Poly Tubing 3/8 inch Nylon Zip-ties
1/8 inch times 6 inch ' used to secure porous tubing to nylon
fittings Porous Tubing 3/8 inch Nylon barbed 3/8 inch fittings.
[0061] The backflow prevention device could be supplied by
Febco.RTM. a unit that includes a double-check assembly, pressure
vacuum breaker, and atmospheric vacuum breaker. The device can be
installed as needed or tied in from an existing irrigation
system.
[0062] The electronic controller could be from the Rain Dial.RTM.
Series from Irritrol.RTM. systems.
[0063] The valves could be the 700 series UltraFlow from
Irritrol.RTM. systems.
[0064] The pressure regulator could be from Omni.RTM. from
Irritrol.RTM. systems.
[0065] The liquid distribution system of this invention consists of
zones each comprising a trench or ditch into which is disposed a
soil moisture stabilization material, preferably granular, porous
medium admixed with a water retaining component. Granular material
may suitably be sand, finely divided gravel, crushed lava rock,
crushed stone, rock, plastic pellets and the like. Generally some
form of sand will be very suitable. The water retention component
is a material that aids the porous material in retaining liquid so
that it is passes through the granular material (and out) much
slower than it would otherwise and preferably is pozzolan as
described in detail above.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 9 an illustration of a cross section of
one embodiment of the moisturizing liquid distribution trench of
the invention, the trench 100 has vertical sides 113 and 114, a
bottom 111 and top 119. The ground grade level is shown as 112 and
a building foundation as 130. The trench 100 is optionally filled
at the bottom with a few inches of gravel 115, the bulk or
predominate volume of the trench is filled with granular material
plus a liquid retaining component--preferably sand with a Pozzolan
component as discussed above. At the top of the trench there is,
optionally, top layer 117 and also, optionally, a cover 119. The
top layer may be native soil, lava rock, mulch, polymer foam and
the like. The trench may also be left uncovered (with the granular
and liquid retaining component filled to the top) and used as a
planting bed--the granular/pozzolan mixture is generally an
excellent growing soil. Disposed in the top layer at grade level or
up to 8 inches below grade is a drip irrigation conduit 118 that
supplies liquid to the trench. The drip irrigation conduit
distributed liquid from a central supply point to the liquid
distribution trench and may be any suitable drip irrigation conduit
such as PVC pipe polyethylene with drip holes, "soaking" hose and
the like. As illustrative of a preferred embodiment the trench will
be 6 to 24 inches wide (preferable 8-12 inches with a 9 inch width
being very suitable for most situations). The trench is spaced at
about 6 inches to 8 feet from the foundation 130 and preferably
about 6 to 24 inches.
[0067] There may also be disposed in the trench liquid-retarding or
barrier material(s) along the side or sides and bottom of the
trench. For example, there may be a liquid barrier placed along the
bottom 111, side 114 and/or the top 119. The barrier may be on only
one side or bottom or on the bottom, side and top or any such
combination. Generally there will not be a barrier at side 113--the
side adjacent the building foundation. Suitable liquid barriers
include flexible or rigid plastic sheet material, metal or plastic
panels, concrete, asphalt or other suitable coating for the trench
sides and any other suitable material that is capable of retarding
or preventing liquid flow. The barrier may be placed in the trench
before moisture stabilizing fill is added, may be incorporated with
the fill or may be supplied as preassembled barriers that are
manufactured offsite and delivered to the site and installed.
[0068] In another embodiment the trench may also be used to collect
excess water, in case of severe rain or excessive watering event,
and provides for means of drainage to permit the soil around the
foundation to release excess water beyond its saturation level in
the nature of a "French Drain". Gravel, rocks and other materials
are used to allow easy movements of water at the bottom of the
liquid distribution trench. An embodiment of this aspect is
illustrated in FIG. 10 where 121 represent the walls of additional
depth of trench beneath the trench 100. Generally this basin will
be filled with gravel or other materials, 124, that facilitate
water flow. There is a barrier 123 between the main trench and the
drain. There is a drain conduit 122 in the bottom of the trench
that allows water to enter and be drained off. The conduit 122 will
be sloped along the length of the trench to facilitate discharge
the excess liquid. The conduit may be any suitable material and
design but generally will be PVC or polyethylene pipe or tubing
with holes to allow liquid to enter--conventional drain pipe is
very acceptable for this service in most situations.
[0069] The liquid distribution trench may be of varying lengths
arranged in zones placed adjacent to and around a building
foundation (as illustrated in FIG. 7). The zones may be of any
length, from the length of a side of a building to individual
predetermined lengths such as 4 to 12 foot. The length will be, to
some extent, the user's choice but will also be influenced by the
conditions of the site and the means that the granular material is
disposed into the trench. There may be, for example,
discontinuities in the trench at building doorways or walkways.
[0070] The soil moisture stabilization martial such as a mixture of
granular material and pozzolan disposed in the trench may be mixed
and compounded on site, may be premixed offsite and delivered to
the site or may be, in one important embodiment, packaged into
flexible containers (such as bags) that are placed into the trench.
The container will generally be flexible bags that are porous at
least on one side and may be of material that will decompose after
time in place. An embodiment of prepackaged (bagged) fill material
is illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 shows an end view of a
prepackaged fill container and fill. It is composed of flexible
material 146, 147 and 148 that may be of the same or different
materials. The material may be a plastic (polymer) fabric or
something like burlap. The sides 146, 147 and/or 144 may be made of
liquid barrier material and the side 148 (that will be placed
facing the building foundation) of a porous or mesh material so
that liquid will easily pass. FIG. 6 also illustrated a
preinstalled drip conduit 145. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the
same prepackaged filled with preinstalled conduit 145 with
connector 149 installed. The connector may be a "quick connect"
fitting, pipe union or the like. As will be apparent there are many
useful configurations for prepackaging the fill material that are
within the scope of this invention. The containers or bags may be
fitted with a liquid barrier sides and/or bottom (as illustrated in
FIGS. 12 and 13) so that they are, in effect, totally
self-contained and can be placed in a trench without need for
further adaption. The containers may be of any convenient size and
length, for example, they may be made into four and six foot
lengths to allow flexibility in placing them in a trench. Exemplary
of one of many possible embodiments, the containers of FIGS. 12 and
13 may be about 18 inches on the sides designated 146 and 148 and
about 8-10 inches on the bottom (147) and be constructed of burlap
or porous plastic fabric with additional liquid barrier material
disposed on the bottom 147 and sides 46 and optionally on top 144
(generally will not have a barrier prepackaged on the top but one
may be placed on top when the fill is in placed in a trench). The
containers may also be made with lengths of drip conduit disposed
in the top section with suitable connectors so that individual
sections (single container) can be conveniently connected together.
Containerizing the fill material will greatly facilitate
installation particularly in locations that are difficult to reach
with large equipment or crowded or constricted location locations
such as will be the case with many existing buildings.
[0071] As with the other embodiments the fill material in the
trenches and in the prepackaged containers will desirably contain
markers such as tags, coloring and in preferred embodiments
programmed RFID chips. RFID chips are relatively inexpensive and
may be programmed with identifiers to allow monitoring of a variety
of desirable information such as source, intellectual property
rights and obligations, date of manufacture, date of application,
composition, quantity of application and the like.
[0072] FIG. 14 illustrates another component of embodiments of this
system. FIG. 14 shows a liquid distribution (as in FIGS. 7 and 8)
having a liquid reservoir 200. The liquid reservoir 200 is
connected to the liquid delivery conduit means 250 by conduit 240.
This configuration provides some "head" (pressure of elevated
liquid) to aid in the wicking speed of the rope.
[0073] The system consists of a reservoir 200 of water that has a
liquid distribution conduit network 250 attached that runs parallel
to the foundation. Water drains from the reservoir 200 and passes
through the wicking means network 250 until the moisture content of
the liquid distribution trench is at equilibrium moisture content
with the soil in the vicinity of the trench system. Once this has
been achieved, the reservoir 200 will stay at a substantially
constant level.
[0074] A mesh screen 230 can potentially be installed between the
reservoir 200 and the wicking material network 250 to prevent
particles and debris from entering the wicking material network.
The connection between the reservoir and the wicking material
network can be made with a connection means 240, for example PVC
pipe, and attached to the network 250 with an attachment means 245,
for example collard compression fittings. If the water level in the
reservoir 200 drops below a certain level, an auto-fill valve 220
is opened to fill the reservoir back to the normal level.
[0075] The system of FIG. 14 can be connected by connector 210 to
conduit 30 (of FIG. 7) or it can be connected to existing hose bibs
that access the internal water piping of a structure. Connector 210
potentially can be a flexible hose or rigid conduit and can include
a pressure regulator, backflow prevention device and attachment
means. For example, it may include a means to attach to conduit 30
or a hose bib on a house. The reservoir 200 should be placed near
the center of the area to be watered and in an area that can be
reached for maintenance. There can be one or more reservoirs for
each zone. The liquid distribution trench network 250 should be
placed at the base of the grade beam of a foundation (building
slab), no further than ten feet away from the building foundation
slab. Preferably it will be placed about 12 to 36 inches from the
building foundation. In most situations placing it no more than
about 24 inches from the slab will be suitable.
[0076] In another embodiment, it is possible to use this invention
in any of the embodiments where liquid is distributed to transport
and distribute other fluids such as pesticides or liquid
fertilizers, for example in a garden or flower bed grown alongside
a home or other structure. The system can be configured to
distribute a desired amount of these fluids to soil and areas
surrounding a foundation. A reservoir as described above will
facilitate the use of other liquid components such as fertilizers
and/or pesticides.
[0077] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will,
however, be evident that various modifications and changes can be
made within the spirit and scope of the invention as will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from this description and by
practice of the invention without departing from the broader spirit
and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The
scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the
particular forms disclosed and the invention covers all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. The
specification is, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative
rather than a restrictive sense. Therefore, the scope of the
invention should be limited only by the appended claims.
* * * * *
References